Swivel cluster coupling



H 1 MN www, nm! N n July 5, 1960 F. J. HANBACK SWIVEL CLUSTER COUPLING Filed Sept. 17, 1956 United States Patent O lce SWIVEL CLUSTER coUPLlNG Filed Sept. 17, 1956, Ser. N0. 610,221 y Claims. (Cl. 285-62) This invention relates to liuid conduit couplings and more particularly to couplings permitting relative motion between or among the conduits joined.

In the present extensive use of pressurized gas and liquid as a means for the transmittal of power between -a source of energy and' a point of power utilization, there is frequently encountered the necessity oftransmitting the power across an articulated joint. In accommodating this requirement various means have 'been adapted, lamong the more economical and less complex of which is the use of a section of flexible tubing across the joint. In some restricted applications this means is acceptable but the degree of articulation, the nature of the uid, and the operating pressures impose a strict limitation on the extent of use of the ilexible tubing. A more acceptable means of transversing the articulated joint is found in the use of the swivel coupling which, although more expensive, can withstand the same degree of pressure as the tubing which it connects, is not subject to the corrosive effects of iluids, is unlimitedin degree of angular displacement and is no more subject to age deteriorization than` any other components of the fluid system.

Although the advent of the swivel coupling provided a solution to numerous pre-existing problems, by its very nature it created new problems which, though less serious, still rendered the vicinity of the joint -among the weaker links vin the pressure system. The presence of a high pressure fluid in -a coupling demands tight seals to prevent the leakage of iluid therepast and this unavcidably results in high Vfriction in the swivels. Heretofore,.the torque to oscillate the swivel coupling was imparted theretodire'ctly through thek connected conduits. After repeated cycles of operation under these conditions fatigue failure in the conduits, usually at the point of juncture with :the coupling, becomes a potentially dangerous factor. '..Itis a feature Vof this invention, in the broadest aspect i ereof, that there is provided a driving means for a swivelctting .whereby angular motion is` imparted to swivel'in such a manner that the-conduits connected are not/:subjected to Aany forces other than the pressure of the fluid passing -therethrough. This feature is accomplished, in the case of a swivel coupling incorporating plural sleeve-like parts each connected to one of the conduits to be joined and a common communicating pivot stemon which the sleeve-like parts are swiveled, by the use of an actua-ting drive rod attached to one end of the stein?" When installed, one of the sleeves is rigidly attached to a fixed portion of associated structure with the axis of the stem coincident with the pivot axis between therjst and a second structure across which the presto be conducted. v Examples of such pivotallyqconnected structuresarevehicle chassisand running gear supports, aircraft frames and retractable landing orfolding wings and others. 'I'he second sleeve isA fluid'- connected to a conduit leading to or from an instiin'ientality, such as a piston-cylinder unit, on the relal2,943,868 `Patented July 5, 1960 tively movable structure. By also attaching the free end of the drive rod to the moving structure at a point laterally adjacent the pivot axis, it will be seen that the stem and the second sleeve will move in unison and substantially all the torque required to overcome the friction between the rst sleeve and the stem will be `absorbed by the drive rod. In this manner the conduits will be relieved of bending strains and the possibility of fatigue or other flexural failure will be substantially eliminated.

While it is recognized that an alternate manner of relieving the Huid conduits from strain would be in attaching the drive rod directly between the moving sleeve and the moving structure, no particular greater advantage would be afforded thereby but rather such arrangement would render the organization less universal in application. :It is for this reason that the swivel cluster employing a driven stem is shown herein as the preferred embodiment.

In the aircraft field among the various models of folding wing craft there is wide variation in the number of hydraulic lines which must be carried across the folding axis. By the arrangement of parts constituting this invention provision is made whereby multiple units can be placed in interlocking side-by-side relationship and a single operating rod utilized to effect motion of all stems. It will thus be appreciated that even though the iirst unit includes a vital element, the drive rod, over and above the quantity of parts present in heretofore known swivel fittings, all fittings in excess of one require no greater space than oth-ersyet all are caused to function in the more desirable manner.

Although in the `accompanying preferred showing of the invention certain isolated features, such as the sealing arrangement and phases of the iluid transfer path, are known in the art, the employment of such known features along with the presented innovations results in the enhancement of the entire organization with mutual benets flowing between the old andthe new.

Other advantages, features and applications of the invention `will become apparent as an understanding of the preferred form is obtained from the -accompanying description taken in conjunction with the related drawings in which:

Figure l is a fragmentary perspective view of a plurality of Vthe vcoup 'ngs utilized at the hinge line of the folding wing of an aircraft; v `Figure 2'is a Vside sectional view of a pair of the couplings in interlocking relation; and

Figure 3 is -a perspective view of appair of couplings showing the manner in which interlock therebetween is accomplished.

Now with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers represent identical parts, and Vmore particularly Figure l thereof, there is shown the main or iixed portion 12 and the folding portion 14 of a wing of the'foldingtype for aircraft. v These portions 12 and 14 pivot with respect to each other about the axis F-F being so constrained by hinge 15 and others which have been omitted for the purpose of clarity. Extending inwardly toward the yaircraft fuselage (not shown) within inboard wing portion 12 4are a series of ducts 17 which, by way of example, may lead to hydraulic pumps or other sources of pressinized iluids,` it being understood that such uid could gaseous or liquid.` In the outboard or folding portion 14 of the wing are a lsecond series of ducts or conduits` 19 which are to be placed in respective communication with ducts 17 of the first series. It is the functionof the couplings of thisv invention to eifect this result. Y l

Viewing Figure-2 it is seen that the left swivel unit includes a main sten '22 havin-ga laterally extendingl `llange 40 driving linger 23 with an opening 24 transversely therethrough. The stem 22 is drilled longitudinally to provide a fluid passage 26 axially thereof. At predetermined spaced intervals` radial ports 27 communicate passage 26 with the exterior of stemf22 and-at the point o f exit of ports 27 stem 22 is circumferentially channeled at 29 for purposes set out hereinafter. Swiveled about stem 22 are a pair of sleeves 31, 31 each having a ducted, externally threaded extension 32 thereon' being'- adapted for connection -with lluid conduits'or tubes `17 or 19. The inner end of the duct which extends through extension 32 is outwardly adjacent channel 29 andis thereby in lluid conducting =relation with passage 26 through port 27. The interior of sleeve 31 may be relieved as at 33 to `complement channel 29. As a means of preventing leakage of lluid axially of stem 22 past sleeve 31, annular grooves 35 are formed in stem 22 `on either side of channel 29.` Within grooves35 are sealing O-rings 37 of a resilient material such as rubber and suitable backup rings 38 to prevent extrusion of the O-rings 37 between sleeve 31 and stem 22 upon application of high pressure to fluid in the assembly. By the employment of the annular channel 29, the passage through extension 32 will be iluid connected to the interior of stern 22 regardless of the angular position of sleeve 31.

For the purpose of brevity been used in Figure 2 and will hereafter be used to respectively designate the left and Iright hand Vswivel assemblies each comprising a common stem 22 and two swivel sleeves 31.

The adjacent ends/of the pairs of sleeves 31 in each of assemblies A and B are in bearing' engagement with a on stern 22, the .flange 40 also restraining motion of the sleeves 31 in one direction axially of stem 22. The left sleeve, viewing Figure 2, in each of A and B is retainedv on stem 22 by `a snap-ring 43 seating within circumferential groove" 44. "1`o reduce friction between snap-rings 43 and sleeves 31 when the latter are swivelled, a plain Ythrust bearing 45 is interposed therebetween. A In the right end of bore'26y in assembly A is allxed a combination plug and drive member 47 The left or plug end of member 47 is circular in cross-section and is relieved as vat 4S for the accommodation of sealing O-ring 49 and cooperating backup rings 50.` Pin 52 passes through aligned openings in member 47 and the extrem-` and serves thereby to secure the in passage 26 and. prevent pas- Snap ring 43 seating in groove the right sleeve 31 ori stern 22 by which' leftsleeve 31 is ity of stem or core 22 plug en'dl of member 47 sage of fluid ther'epast. 44 and bearing 45 retain in a manner similar tov thatv lretained.

Now viewing Figure 3 in conjunction With Figure 2 the means by which motion-of stem 22 in assembly A is transmitted to the stem 22 -in assembly B`will' be seen and now described. Stem 22, assembly YB, rather than being provided with a drive linger as is the stem'22 in assembly A, is slotted as at 55 or may be provided with any other configuration of a non-circular opening. For mating engagement with slot 55 member 47 has a complementary extension 56 withv a steppedr down extremity extending from a tapered surface 57. Inwardly of surface 57 there is formed a groove 59 for the'reception of snap-ring 43. When extension 56 is insertedv in slot 55 the tapered surfaces 57 serve to spread snap ring 43 and as the extension 56is farther inserted snap ring 43 will spring into groove 59 to lock adjacent stems 22, 22 together. Being non-circular. in configuration mating extension 56 and slot 55 will transmit axial vrotary motion between the stems 22,122,

The right end passage 26 in stem 22 (assembly B) is closedv by aplug 61 similar `in construction to the plug end' of member 47. It Iwill be noted in Figure 2that retainer pin 52 is maintained in position by the encircling thereof by snap ring 43 and bearing 45.

the letters A and B have tional -radial bores, circumferential channels Although in Figure 2 there are shown only two swive assemblies it is to be understood that in use any number of additional such assemblies can be interlockingly associated in the same manner as assemblies A and B are joined. Moreover it will be apparent that, should it be desired to intercommunicate three or more uid conduits, stem 22 could be elongated to accommodate additional sleeves, there being the obvious requirement of addiand other adjuncts.

In installingv the swivel assemblies or clusters the ex-` tension 32 on one of each pair of sleeves 31 is positioned through the preformed opening in wing bracket 63 and is xed thereat by means of a nut 64 threaded over extension 32. Conduits 417 and 19 are respectively joined to extensions 32 by the use of any desired conventional couplings.

In order to rotate stems 22 when Wing panels 12 and 14 are moved relatively to eachother a drive. rod 67 is connected at one end to stem finger Z3'. The other'end of drive rod 67 is pinned to any convenient point orithe moving wing panel 14, the only requirement bein-g vthat such point of attachment is laterally spacedfrom" folding axis F-F. With the assembly installed, upon the folding of the wing the stems 22 will be rotated by drive rod 67 to the same angular extent and at the same rate fas sleeves 31 connected to conduits 19 are required to move. Thus there will be no relative motion between such parts resulting in the absence of bending' loads in conduits 19' and as the sleeves 31 which join with conduits 17 fare anchored to bracket 63 all forces on such sleeves 31 will not be transmitted to conduits 17.

While the preferred embodiment of theinventionfis herein shown and described itis capable of variations which will occur to those familiar in art. 'As for ex-AV ample, to more equally distribute torque loads in the' stems 22 by a simple modification of plug 52,"a seconddrive `rod could be used to drive the stems'22 either'aloneor in addition to the drive rod 67 at the dopposite' endof the assembly. Further should it be desired to space'adjacent swivel assemblies farther apart, the interconnecting plug-drive member 47 c'ould `be elongated; These and -other modifications are susceptible to incorporation in the invention and it is to be understood that such are' within the purview of the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An aircraft wing structure having parts vrthereof moveable relative to each other about a pivot `axis. and having fluid lines on each part leading toward said axis; a longitudinally extending, internally ducted stern' mounted on an axis coincident with said pivot axis;v at least a pair of sleeves in fluid tight engagement on the stem andv being swivelled thereon for motion about the stem axis; a bracket on one of the relatively moveable parts, one`V of said `sleeves being 'lixed to said bracket and connected to a` liuid line on saidrone of the parts, the other of said sleeves being connected to a llnid line on the other of said relatively moveable parts and Veach 4of said sleeves also includinga` flow passage between its associated uid line and the internal duct in the stem whereby'the fluid` lines are communicated with each other; 'and a torque applying rod `attached at one of its ends to lan end of the stem; the other end of the torque rod being' attached tothe other of `said relatively moveable parts at a point spaced laterally of the pivot axis whereby upon relative motion of the relatively moveable parts the stem is rotated to eliminate bending lstrains'in Vthe fluid lines.

2. In structure .having parts thereof moveable relative to each other about a pivot axis `and having luidlines on each .part leading toward said axis.. fluid coupling means adapted to connect the lines across the pivot axis comprising: a longitudinally extending, internally ducted stem mounted on an axis coincident with said pivot: axis; at least a pair of sleeves in fluid tight engagement on the swivelled thereon for motion about the stem axis, each of said vsleeves including means for flow connection with one of the uid lines; a bracket on one of the relatlvely moveable parts, one of said sleeves being fixed to said bracket and'conne'cted to a iiuid line on said one of the parts, the other 'of said sleeves being connected to a iiuid lineon= the other of -said relatively moveable parts; a torque applying rod attached Iat one of its ends to .an end'ibf the stem, the other end of the torque rod being attachable tothe other of said relatively moveable parts ata-point spaced laterally of the pivot whereby upon relative motion of the relatively moveable parts the stem is. rotated to eliminate bending strains in the fluid lines; a .second-f fluid coupling means similar to the first said coupling means axially adjacent theitirst said coupling means; and means Yinterconnecting both said coupling means electing movements thereof in unison.

1`:3. Structure having parts thereof moveable relative to each otherabout a pivot axis and having fluid lines on each part leading towardsaid axis, a plurality of iluid coupling means .adapted to connect the lines across the pivot axis, each of said plurality including a longitudinally extending, internally ducted stem mounted 'on an axis coincident lwith said pivot axis; at least -a pair of sleeves ini iluid tight flow communication with each other through the duct in the stem and being swivelled thereon for motion about the stem axis, each of said sleeves including means for flow connection with one of the iluid lines, one of said sleeves being iixed to one of said parts and connected to a uid vline on said one of said parts, the'tlier of-.s'aid sleeves being connected to a Huid line on the other of said relatively moveable parts; a torque applying rod Iattached at one of its endsto an end of the offene of thecouplings, the other end of the torque rod being attached to the other of said relatively move- Yable parts laterally of the pivot axis whereby upon relative motion of the relatively moveable parts the stem is rotated to eliminate relative motion between the stem and the other of said sleeves; and means interconnecting the plurality 'of coupling means to eiect simultaneous motion of all stems. y

4. In structurehaving parts thereof moveable relative to each other about a pivot axis and having lluid lines on each part leading toward said axis, fluid coupling means adapted to connect the lines across the pivot axis comprising: a longitudinally extending, internally ducted stem mounted on an axis coincident with said pivot axis; at least a pair of sleeves in fluid tight engagement on the stem and being swivelled thereon for motion about the stem axis, each of said sleeves including means for connection with one of the uid lines; a bracket on one of the stem whereby the Huid lines Iare communicated with each other; a torque lapplying rod attached at one of its ends to the stem, the other en-d of the torque rod being rst said coupling means and interconnected therewith low sleeves each with a `ducted extension thereon forattachment to a iluid conduit, one of said sleeves en circllng said stern vat the locus oct exit of each spaced radial port and being rotatable about the stem; retainer means mainy taining the sleeves on the stem against motion along the axis of the stem; means lfor communicating each mdial port with the Yassociated ducted extension on the sleeve at all angular positions of the sleeve; means includingl a drive rod connected to one end of the stein for imparting: motion 'thereto about the longitudinal axis of the stem; at least 'a second stem in `axial alignment with the said' iirst stem, said second stem a-lso having thereon and therein atluid passage, radial ports and hollow sleeves having .the same relation thereto as in the said first stem; and interacting means between the I'irst Iand second stems to transmit axial rotary motion therebetween, whereby rotary motion' imparted to the first ystem by the drive rod will Ibe imparted to the second stem, said interacting means cooperating with one of said retainer means to hold the iirst and second stems against relative motion axially of the stems. 6. Aswivel cluster coupling comprising: a iirst longitudinally extending stem having a central fluid passage therein' and having radial ports at spaced points communicating the passage with the exterior of the stem; hollow sleeves each with a ducted extension thereon for attachment to aiuid conduit, one of said sleeves encircling said stemfat Athe locus of exit of each' spaced radial'port and being rotatable about the stem; retainer means maintaining the sleeves on vthe stem against motionv along the axis of the stem; means for communicating each radial, port `with the; associated ducted extension` on the sleeve at all angular posi-tions of the sleeve; means including-adrive rod connected to one end of the stem for imparting motion Ythereto vabout the longitudinal axis of the stem; at least a secondvstem inaxial alignmentv with the said iirst stem, said second stem also having thereon and therein a Huid passage, radial ports and hollow sleeves having the same relation thereto as in the said first stem; and interacting means between the first and second stems to transmit axial rotary motion therebetween, whereby rotary motion imparted to the irst stem by the drive rod will be imparted to the second stem, said interacting means including a plug for closing one end of the central lluid passage and a non-circular extension adapted for mating engagement in complimentary non-circular opening in the said second stem.

7. A swivel cluster coupling comprising: a first longimunicating the passage with the exterior of the stem; hollow sleeves each with a ducted extension thereon for attachment to a fluid conduit, one of said sleeves encircling said stem at the locus of exit of each spaced radial port and being rotatable about the stem; sealing means between the stem and the sleeve precluding fluid leakage therebetween; retainer means maintaining the sleeves on the stem against motion along the axis of the stem; means for communicating each radial port with the associated ducted extension on the sleeve at all angular positions of the sleeve; means including a drive rod connected to one end of the stem for imparting rotary motion thereto about the longitudinal axis of the stem; at least a second stem in axial alignment with the said firstl stem, said second stem also having thereon and therein a fluid passage, radial ports and hollow sleeves having the same relation thereto as in the said irst stem; and interacting means between the iirst and second stems to transmit axial rotary motion therebetween, whereby rotary motion imparted to the first stem by ythe drive rod will be imparted to the second stem.

8. A swivel cluster coupling comprising: a rst longitudinally extending stem having a central iluid passage therein and having radial ports at spaced points communieating the passage therein the exterior of the stem; hollow sleeves Veach with a ducted extension thereon fonlattachment to a iluidA conduit, one of said.. sleeves swivelled on said stem at the locus `of exit of each spaced radial portwith the ducted extension communicating alignment with the said rst stem, said second stem also having thereon a'nd therein a fluid passage, radial'ports andhollow sleeves having the vsame relation-thereto. as in .the said rst stem; and interacting means between the first. and secondstems to vtransmit axial rotary motion therebetween, whereby rotary motion impartdto the rst stem by the drive 'rod will be imparted to the second stem, said interacting means cooperating with one-of said retainer means to hold the first and-second stems against relative motion axially of the stems.

9. A swivel cluster coupling comprising: a longitudinally extendingv stem having a central uid passage therein and having' radial ports at spaced pointscommunicating the passage with the exterior of the stem; hollow, sleeves each with a ducted extension thereon for attachment to a fluid conduit, one of said sleeves being swivelled on said vstem at lthe locus of exit of each spaced radial port with the ducted extension communicating with the port; retainer means maintaining the' sleeves on the stem against motion along the axis of the stem; and means including a drive rod connected at one of its ends to one end of the rstern the drive rod-extending laterally away from the axis of the stem whereby rotation will be imparted-to the stem when a force about said axis is applied-to the other end of the drive rod about the longitudinal axis of the stern.

Y 1'0.`Aircraft wing structure having parts thereof :movepffl able relative to each other-about apivotaxaand. having;

fluid lines on each part leading toward saidaxisggud. coupling means adapted to connectu 'the' lines" across. the pivot axis including a longitudinally extending,=in-tI ternally ducted Vstem `mounted on an axis coincident-with' said pivot axis; `at least a pair 'of `sleeves in fluid tight. engagement on thestem and being swivelledv thereon for motion about the stem axis, each of saidspleevess-in-V cludingmeans for connection with one of the uidilinee and providing flowcommunication between its associated uid line and the internal duct in the stem; a'bracketiorr one of .the relativelyk moveable parts,k one of'said sleeves' being fixed to said br'acketand connected `to Ya Huid line on said' one of the parts, the other'of said sleeves vbeing! connnected to a iluidline onthe otheriof said relatively.- moveable parts; a torque'applyingrodattached at one of its ends to an end of the stem, the' other endof the' torque rod being attached to the other of. said relatively moveable parts at a point spaced laterallyrof the 'pivot axis whereby upon relative motion of the relativelyI move--v able parts the stem is rotated to eliminate bending strains inthe iluid lines; a second fluid conplingisimilar-to thefirst said fluid coupling; and means maintainingrthe ist and second said ilnid coupling in axial spaced-apart relation and interlocking the stems for movement in" unison. Y

References Cited in the le of this patent v' UNITED STATES `PATENTS f Y Y 2,736,515 Dolan .Y l Feb.- 28;:1956' t FOREIGN PATENTS 'y 1513;: "may 

